David L Neal

David L. Neal was appointed as EOIR Director in September 2021, following a position in the private sector. Mr. Neal earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1981 from Wabash College, a Master’s in 1984 from Harvard Divinity School and a Juris Doctorate in 1989 from Columbia Law School. From March 2012 to September 2019, he served as Chairman, Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), after serving as the Vice Chairman of the BIA from January 2009 until becoming Chairman. Prior to serving in those roles, Mr. Neal enjoyed a successful career in the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge: Chief Immigration Judge from March 2007 to January 2009, after having served as Acting Chief Immigration Judge beginning in April 2006; Assistant Chief Immigration Judge from April 2005 to April 2006; and Immigration Judge from June 2004 to April 2005. He also served as Special Counsel to the EOIR Director, Chief Counsel to the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, and Attorney Advisor for the BIA. Mr. Neal has additional immigration law experience in the private sector, having worked as a Private Practitioner in Los Angeles. He also served as the Director of Policy Analysis for the American Immigration Lawyers Association Mr. Neal is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and New York State Bar.